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Strong D.C. housing market has wide-ranging factors

City officials want to continue attracting newcomers while not pricing long-term Washingtonians out

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real estate, gay news, Washington Blade, DC real estate market 2017

Local Realtors say buyers are pricing their properties more strategically than they were a decade ago based on current buying trends.

Ed Wood is a D.C.-based realtor with City Houses LLC for 20 years and former president of the District of Columbia Association of Relators. He sells in all eight wards and averages 15-20 sales per year.

He spoke with the Washington Blade this week on local housing trends, renting vs. buying and why the rental market is soft now, but likely to explode in the coming years. His comments have been slightly edited for length.

WASHINGTON BLADE: It seems most agree in Washington we’re back to pre-recession prices and multiple offers on real estate. Is that your assessment?

ED WOOD: Yes. D.C. was in a much better position during and after the recession. We saw a flattening but then it picked up fairly quickly and the market has been really strong ever since about 2011, 2012. We regularly see multiple offers still on properties.

BLADE: Is the asking price sort of an opening bid in those situations?

WOOD: It depends where it’s priced. It’s they’ve priced a little below asking, they’ll often get multiple offers and it will bump up. If they’re priced at asking or above, we do see things sit on the market because of that. Buyers are more savvy and more cautious than they were pre-2008.

BLADE: Were there many cases in D.C. where a homeowner may have been underwater on their mortgage during the recession but got out of it once the economy rebounded?

WOOD: There wasn’t a lot of that in D.C. It was more in the suburbs and more likely the further you got out from the city but those prices we saw coming back by last year. Occasionally in some of the more developing neighborhoods we saw some slow downs and some price softening but those prices have completely come back. Many values have increased above what people paid.

BLADE: How is the market for rentals vs. sales in Washington?

WOOD: The rental market has been fairly soft for awhile while the buying market has been strong. A lot of the buildings that are going up in the city have been rental buildings as opposed to condos and that’s because the long-term demographic outlook for the city — we’re still gaining about a thousand residents a month — is expected to be over a million by 2030 so there are a lot of companies from around the country who see this as a really good rental market and they’re interested in the long term. We’re not seeing the number of condos we saw pre-2008, so that’s why we see the competition. There’s still not enough inventory.

BLADE: Why is the rental market soft if the projections are so strong?

WOOD: They’re building for that projected million residents. (Editor’s note: D.C.’s current population is about 672,000.) You can’t suddenly build all the units you’ll need, so they’re building them now for five-10 years down the road. These are big companies who work in the long-term market so they can afford to do this. Sometimes they’ll even go to developers building a condo building and say, “Hey, we need a rental building at this location. Would you consider reconfiguring the design a bit to turn it into a rental building and selling the whole thing to us?” That’s attractive to developers because it’s a lot easier to sell an entire building than individual units to individual buyers.

BLADE: Those population projections must be pretty solid then. Could something catastrophic throw a wrench in those plans?

WOOD: Certainly. After 9-11 around the country, it just killed the market immediately and people stopped moving to D.C. immediately. But then things turned around. A lot of things could happen to change things, but hopefully nothing of that scale. All the demographics I have looked at are pointing toward that large population growth at least through 2030. Others that go beyond that are less reliable in my opinion.

BLADE: Based on what we’re seeing now and with those kinds of projections, will gentrification spread across the river?  What’s it like in those wards now?

WOOD: There’s a lot of interest in Anacostia and there’s a lot of change going on there. Bigger companies are looking at that area. … One of the issues there has been a lack of services and also people who’ve been priced out of other areas are looking over there. There’s been a lot of revitalization there but there’s also been a very active group of long-term residents who want to see improvements but don’t want to be pushed out. I know the mayor and city council members are focusing more on that part of the city. There’s even talk of moving the Reeves building at 14th and U., of selling that building and moving it over there.

BLADE: With all the gentrification that has spread down 14th Street to Florida Avenue and starting into the Northeast quadrant — look how different Bloomingdale, for instance, looks from what it was like 10 years ago — is it safe to assume that trend will continue or is that an oversimplification?

WOOD: I think that’s true. City government for a long time was desperate to get people to move back into the city. It was a dying place as people were overall fleeing out to the suburbs but that’s turned around and most cities are growing whereas the suburbs are starting to die out. People want to be closer and they want to spend more time doing the things they like as opposed to sitting in their car going to and from a bigger house. The city government is taking a renewed look at how that happens, how that takes place and what it means for the long-term city residents.

BLADE: They want to put some mechanisms in place to absorb some of that shock so to speak?

WOOD: Yes. There’s a lot of interest in trying to move in that direction so we don’t have a city where only the wealthy can afford to live. Whereas before they were trying to stop people from fleeing the city, we don’t even have to think about that now.

BLADE: Do people comment to you about Ed Wood the schlock film director often?

WOOD: Yes. It was actually helpful after the movie came out because growing up, my full name was Edward Wood. I would say Edward and they would think I said Ed Wood. That happened constantly. But nobody says that anymore. It’s kind of a name that sticks with people so they feel like they’ve seen it more than maybe they have.

BLADE: Have you seen “Glen or Glenda?” or “Plan 9”?

WOOD: Yeah. I’m a fan of his terrible movies.

BLADE: Do LGBT issues factor into D.C. real estate to any significant degree?

WOOD: I haven’t seen it be much of a factor at all. DC. has been such a gay-friendly city for so long, I don’t think it’s much of a consideration. When they’re selling a house, they just want the best price.

BLADE: Is there any sense of a gayborhood anywhere in 2017? Do people buy with that in mind?

WOOD: I don’t see that anymore. When I was first in the business 20 years ago, there was a desire, usually by gay men, to want to be near Dupont. I live near there. My husband and I have had a house here for 20 years so we’ve really seen the change on 14th Street. When we moved here, our friends thought we were crazy. Now they say, “How did you know?” We didn’t know. We just bought where we could afford and at the time we wanted to be near Dupont. Now when I have gay clients, they want to look all over the city and I see them asking things I never saw gay clients asking before like what are the schools like. They’re more interested now in the things you would have thought the straight couples would be looking at.

BLADE: Did marriage, either in D.C. or with the Supreme Court ruling, affect real estate in any perceptible way?

WOOD: I didn’t see much. There used to be a lot more estate planning, wills, setting things up in case something happened to one of you. My husband and I have been together 25 years and we did all that. … But now there’s a whole structure in place to keep you more protected than there was before.

BLADE: About how many of your clients on average are LGBT?

WOOD: I would say about a third.

BLADE: Are there any lesbian streets or enclaves around the city or is that not really a thing?

WOOD: It’s really not. Even with gay men, that Dupont thing is out the window. People are looking at schools, they want to be near work, they may want to be near a particular restaurant or they’re looking for the feel of a neighborhood. It’s usually things like that and it happens to be very individual to the couple.

Ed Wood can be reached at [email protected] or cityhousesdc.com

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Real Estate

Pride, patriotism, and prosperity

Real estate plays role in honoring servicemembers’ legacy

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(Photo by 1photo/Bigstock)

As the calendar turns to late May and early June, several powerful movements and celebrations converge in a profound and colorful tapestry of remembrance, Pride, and progress. 

Memorial Day in the United States honors the sacrifices of military personnel who gave their lives in service. Simultaneously, WorldPride and Black Pride commemorate both the historical struggles and enduring strength of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. 

Though these observances may seem distinct, they share powerful commonalities — solemnity, resilience, and the pursuit of equity. When viewed through the lens of real estate and community development, their intersection reveals the critical importance of space, ownership, and inclusion.

Memorial Day is more than a barbecue, a long weekend, or the unofficial start of summer. It is a solemn remembrance of those who laid down their lives for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Many of these fallen heroes came from marginalized backgrounds, including a rainbow of LGBTQ+ Americans who served valiantly, often without recognition or equal rights at home.

LGBTQ+ service members have fought in silence for decades, only gaining the right to serve openly in recent years and then having that opportunity for some individuals snatched back simply because of who they are. Memorial Day is a chance not only to honor their service but also as a reminder of the injustices they endured.

Real estate plays a role in their legacy. For decades, returning veterans used the GI Bill to buy homes and build generational wealth; however, discriminatory practices like redlining and restrictive covenants denied Black veterans the same opportunities, contributing to the racial wealth gap that persists today. Similarly, LGBTQ+ veterans and their partners often faced housing discrimination with little legal recourse. These systemic barriers underscore how access to safe and equitable housing is part of the fight for justice.

Black Pride events emerged in response to racism within the broader LGBTQ+ movement, asserting that Black queer lives matter and deserve visibility. Held in cities across the globe, Black Pride is not just a festival — it is a political and cultural declaration. It amplifies voices at the intersection of race and sexuality, advocating for people who are disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity and gentrification. 

Many urban neighborhoods that were once cultural havens for queer communities are being transformed by rising rents and redevelopment. While revitalization can bring economic opportunity, it must be done equitably, with safeguards in place to ensure that long-standing residents are not displaced. Real estate, in this context, becomes a tool for resistance and renewal.

WorldPride, a global event celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, is hosted by a different city every few years. It draws millions of participants, shines an international spotlight on LGBTQ+ issues, and highlights disparities in rights and protections worldwide. In countries where queer identities are criminalized, safe housing can be a matter of life and death. 

Even in more progressive regions, LGBTQ+ individuals often face subtle yet persistent discrimination from landlords, real estate agents, and lending institutions. In the real estate industry, advocacy groups are working to increase representation, offer training, define ethical responsibilities, and advocate for inclusive policies to ensure housing is truly accessible to all.

The convergence of WorldPride with Memorial Day and Black Pride invites deeper reflection: What kind of world are we building in memory of those who came before? How can we ensure that freedom, the very principle so many fought and died for, includes the right to live openly and securely, regardless of race, gender, or sexuality?

The real estate industry has a unique role in shaping the future. From urban planning to homeownership policy, to income-based downpayment grants, it directly influences who has access to stability and opportunity. 

Developers, policymakers, and community leaders must work together to address housing disparities. This includes funding affordable housing, protecting tenants from discrimination, and investing in communities that have been historically excluded. It also means respecting cultural legacies and ensuring that neighborhoods reflect the diversity of the people who live in them.

Memorial Day reminds us of the cost of freedom. International Pride events remind us that the fight for freedom is ongoing. As we honor the fallen, let us also honor the living – those who continue to fight for their right to exist, to love, and to call a place home. Whether waving a flag at a Pride parade, laying a wreath at a soldier’s grave, or signing a first-time homebuyer agreement, these moments are connected by the enduring belief that everyone deserves dignity, safety, and a place to belong.

Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in DC, MD & VA with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at (202) 246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs

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Real Estate

Tips for buying a house in Rehoboth Beach

And why it’s a great fit for the LGBTQ community

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Rehoboth Beach, Del. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a charming beach house where flip-flops are considered formalwear and sunsets are your daily entertainment, Rehoboth Beach, Del., might just be your dream come true. It’s not just a beautiful coastal town—it’s also a long celebrated safe haven and vibrant hub for the LGBTQ community. Let’s dive into why Rehoboth Beach is a fabulous choice and how to make a savvy beach house purchase.

Why Rehoboth Is a Vibe (especially for the LGBTQ community)

1. A Welcoming, Inclusive Community

Rehoboth Beach has been lovingly nicknamed the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” and it’s not just because of its proximity to D.C. For decades, Rehoboth has built a reputation as a warm, inclusive, and LGBTQ-friendly destination. From gay-owned businesses to LGBTQ events and nightlife, this is a town where you can truly be yourself.

2. Packed Social Calendar

Poodle Beach, the LGBTQ beach hangout just south of the boardwalk, is always buzzing in the summer. Events like Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend, Women’s FEST, and CAMP Rehoboth’s myriad of social and wellness events bring people together all year round. That’s right—you’ll never be bored here unless you want to be.

3. Small Town Charm Meets Big City Culture

You get art galleries, drag brunches, live theater, eclectic cuisine, and adorable boutiques—basically everything your soul craves—without the chaos and crowds of major cities. It’s quaint but never boring. Think: Key West vibes with a Delaware zip code.

Tips for Buying Your Dream Beach House 

1. Know Your Budget and Think Long Term. Beachfront and near-beach properties come at a premium. Expect to pay a bit more for proximity to the sand and ocean views. 

2. Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely. Do you want to be walking distance from the action on the boardwalk? Or do you prefer something more secluded in areas like North Shores or Henlopen Acres?

3. Rental Potential. If you’re not living there full time, your beach house could work overtime as a vacation rental. Rehoboth Beach has a healthy short-term rental market, especially in peak summer. Often times LGBTQ travelers actively seek inclusive, affirming places to stay.

4. Weather the Weather. Like all coastal areas, Rehoboth comes with a side of salt air and occasional storms. Invest in a good home inspection, especially for older homes, and be prepared for the maintenance that comes with beachfront living (yes, that includes sand everywhere).

5. Work With a Local Real Estate Agent. Look for an agent who knows Rehoboth inside and out and understands the unique needs of LGBTQ buyers. This isn’t just a house — it’s your happy place. You want someone who sees that and says, “Let’s find your sanctuary.”

Buying a beach house in Rehoboth Beach isn’t just about real estate — it’s about finding a space that reflects your lifestyle, values, and need for both community and calm. Whether it becomes your full-time home, your weekend escape, or your Airbnb side hustle, Rehoboth welcomes you with open arms (and maybe a mimosa).

Want personalized tips on navigating the Rehoboth Beach real estate market? Let’s chat! I’ll bring the listings if you bring the sunscreen. 


Justin Noble is a Realtor with The Burns & Noble Group with Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware. Reach him at [email protected] or 202-234-3344.

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Real Estate

Impact of federal gov’t RIF on D.C.’s rental market

A seismic economic change for local property owners

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President Trump’s plan to cut the federal workforce presents challenges to local landlords. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

In a move that could redefine the federal government workforce and reshape the economic fabric of Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has announced his intentions to significantly reduce federal government spending as well as the number of people the federal government employs.

Calling the federal bureaucracy “bloated” and “out of control,” Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to cut thousands of federal jobs. While these cuts align with his long-standing push to “drain the swamp,” they come with potential and real collateral damage, especially for landlords in the D.C. area who have relied on government employees as some of their most reliable and long-term tenants.

The potential reduction of thousands of jobs in a city built around government work is not just a political shift—it’s a seismic economic change for the city government as well as for local property owners who have invested in the predictability of a near-constant demand for workers in the federal government agencies, government contractors and the economic ecosystem they sustain. 

For landlords, government workers have represented ideal tenants: strong income, long-term leases, and responsible rental histories. Now, that foundation is being shaken in a battle by the Administration against a workforce which is the backbone of the Washington area’s overall economy, and especially its rental market.

With uncertainty looming, landlords are left in a difficult position. If widespread layoffs come to fruition, rental vacancies could spike, rental prices would drop, and previously secure investment properties might become financial liabilities. The sudden shift forces landlords to consider their next moves: how to support tenants facing job losses, how to adapt to a changing market, and how to ensure their own financial stability amid the uncertainty.

For D.C. landlords, this isn’t just about policy shifts or budget cuts, it’s about economic livelihood. The challenge ahead isn’t about just reacting to change, but proactively preparing for it, ensuring they can weather the storm of political maneuvering.

Potential Consequences for D.C. Landlords

  1. 1. Increased Risk of Non-Payment of Rent
    • Job losses may lead to late or missed rent payments
    • As affected tenants struggle financially, they may ask to break their lease to live elsewhere or even move out of the region
    • Eviction lawsuits may rise, leading to a long and expensive process for landlords, all while not being able to rent their property to paying tenants.
  1. 2. Higher Vacancy Rates
  1. If many government employees leave the D.C. region in search of work elsewhere, the rental demand could decline significantly
  2. Rental properties may sit empty longer, requiring landlords to lower rents to attract new tenants and creating even more financial loss

3. More Competition from Other Landlords

  1. As many more units are vacant on the market, all competing for the same pool of potential tenants, older and smaller rentals, and those located further out from the core of the city will all struggle to find quality renters.
  2. Landlords will need to offer other ways to attract and retain tenants, such as incentives, which could quickly overwhelm the finances of smaller landlords who cannot keep up.

Proactive Strategies for Landlords

To mitigate risks and ensure future rental success, landlords should consider these defensive measures:

1. Strengthen Tenant Relationships and Communication

  • Encourage tenants to communicate if they anticipate financial hardship due to job loss.
  • Work out temporary payment plans or partial payments to prevent full non-payment or eviction.
  • Provide guidance on rental assistance programs available in D.C.

2. Offer Flexible Lease Terms

  • Consider shorter-term leases than a full 12-month term to accommodate the needs of tenants who may be uncertain about their long-term employment status.
  • Offer lease renewals at the same rent amount to keep stable tenants and avoid turnover

3. Diversify Tenant Base

  • If a large portion of tenants are government workers, a landlord may want to market to a broader audience or professionals in private industries.
  • Advertise on platforms that cater to diverse tenant pools, including students and international workers.

4. Adjust Screening Criteria Thoughtfully

  • While it’s important to ensure financial stability, consider creditworthiness, assets, and rental history rather than just employment status.
  • Consider alternative income sources, like family members assisting, part-time work or freelance gigs.

5. Protect Cash Flow with Rent Guarantee Options

  • Explore rental insurance policies or rent guarantee services to cover losses in case of non-payment.
  • Consider co-signers or guarantors on leases for new tenants in vulnerable industries, just in case.

6. Adjust Rental Pricing to Stay Competitive

  • Monitor the D.C. rental market and adjust pricing accordingly to attract new tenants.
  • Consider offering move-in incentives as a way to stand out.  Be creative!  Sometimes things you can offer are different and may catch someone’s eye

Long-Term Planning for Rental Success

  • Build reserves to cover expenses during potential vacancies or rent shortfalls.
  • Invest in property upgrades to make rentals more attractive to a broader audience, such as young professionals or remote workers.
  • Consider diversifying property holdings to include areas that are less reliant on government employment.

By taking proactive steps, landlords can safeguard their investments while supporting tenants through economic uncertainty, ultimately leading to a more stable and resilient rental business.


Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager at Columbia Property Management. For more information, visit ColumbiaPM.com.

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